Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

VaruLV

macrumors 6502a
Mar 25, 2019
636
561
You know yesterday I found some blooming when I was watching white text on black background… FROM MY GLASSES! Now I’m not sure if I should return the glasses or the eyes…
Perhaps try to poke into one eye and see if that improves it?
 

sracer

macrumors G4
Apr 9, 2010
10,405
13,290
where hip is spoken
I predict that, unless you are OCD, you will be very pleased with the new screen.

OCD has nothing to do with this and I wish that people would stop using that term to describe their own narcissistic need to be noticed. There are people who suffer from clinical OCD and I feel for them.

I find it puzzling that many of the people who defend Apple's products and pricing by claiming Apple will only introduce new technology when they can do it correctly, are the same ones quick to dismiss concerns over the limitations of that new technology.

Time and time again, people will point out issues with Apple products only to be faced with accusations of being unreasonably demanding. If one pays a premium for a product, they should expect a premium quality product... except if the product is a boutique item where the brand, style, and image are important factors in the purchase.

Anyone who is displeased with the blooming and screen shadow of these new iPads, return it for a refund. Don't let others convince you that you should settle for less than you the expect.

If someone finds the blooming and screen shadow to be acceptable, then enjoy your device. Why try to convince others that they should find it acceptable too?
 

iPad Bro

macrumors 6502
May 2, 2021
393
290
I haven’t really noticed the blooming in my experience thus far. Although I have went to light UI elements to avoid the darks just in case. Kinda refreshing really. Enjoying my iPad Pro quite a bit. Definitely a great purchase! :D
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chazani and LFC2020

seadragon

macrumors 68000
Mar 10, 2009
1,872
3,151
OCD has nothing to do with this and I wish that people would stop using that term to describe their own narcissistic need to be noticed. There are people who suffer from clinical OCD and I feel for them.

I find it puzzling that many of the people who defend Apple's products and pricing by claiming Apple will only introduce new technology when they can do it correctly, are the same ones quick to dismiss concerns over the limitations of that new technology.

Time and time again, people will point out issues with Apple products only to be faced with accusations of being unreasonably demanding. If one pays a premium for a product, they should expect a premium quality product... except if the product is a boutique item where the brand, style, and image are important factors in the purchase.

Anyone who is displeased with the blooming and screen shadow of these new iPads, return it for a refund. Don't let others convince you that you should settle for less than you the expect.

If someone finds the blooming and screen shadow to be acceptable, then enjoy your device. Why try to convince others that they should find it acceptable too?

Excellent post and I agree completely.
 

Jt69yupper

macrumors regular
Jun 18, 2015
228
196
OCD has nothing to do with this and I wish that people would stop using that term to describe their own narcissistic need to be noticed. There are people who suffer from clinical OCD and I feel for them.

I find it puzzling that many of the people who defend Apple's products and pricing by claiming Apple will only introduce new technology when they can do it correctly, are the same ones quick to dismiss concerns over the limitations of that new technology.

Time and time again, people will point out issues with Apple products only to be faced with accusations of being unreasonably demanding. If one pays a premium for a product, they should expect a premium quality product... except if the product is a boutique item where the brand, style, and image are important factors in the purchase.

Anyone who is displeased with the blooming and screen shadow of these new iPads, return it for a refund. Don't let others convince you that you should settle for less than you the expect.

If someone finds the blooming and screen shadow to be acceptable, then enjoy your device. Why try to convince others that they should find it acceptable too?

Agreed…and returning
 
  • Like
Reactions: Expos of 1969

BlackJacques

macrumors member
Apr 10, 2010
66
38
OCD has nothing to do with this and I wish that people would stop using that term to describe their own narcissistic need to be noticed. There are people who suffer from clinical OCD and I feel for them.

I find it puzzling that many of the people who defend Apple's products and pricing by claiming Apple will only introduce new technology when they can do it correctly, are the same ones quick to dismiss concerns over the limitations of that new technology.

Time and time again, people will point out issues with Apple products only to be faced with accusations of being unreasonably demanding. If one pays a premium for a product, they should expect a premium quality product... except if the product is a boutique item where the brand, style, and image are important factors in the purchase.

Anyone who is displeased with the blooming and screen shadow of these new iPads, return it for a refund. Don't let others convince you that you should settle for less than you the expect.

If someone finds the blooming and screen shadow to be acceptable, then enjoy your device. Why try to convince others that they should find it acceptable too?

Thank you for saying this. I can't believe how aggressive some of the posts are like another person objecting to mini-Led triggers someone who bought the 12.9 mini-Led. If the blooming and edge shadow doesn't bother you or you can't see it, fantastic. I am sincerely happy you're enjoying your purchase. No sarcasm.

Mini-Led inherently has blooming. It's a known limitation of the technology. Apple by every indication has done a good job this first iteration of the tech to minimize it, especially compared to the XDR monitor and the 2020 crop of FALD Mini-LED TVs. Most people are not seeing it at reasonable brightness levels for the ambient light level they are using it in. However, for some people, under their usage and conditions, they see it and they object to it. No reason they should not be heard. Complaints result in product improvements in the future. It doesn't invalidate anyone else's enjoyment or satisfaction of their purchase.

I've seen at least two posts suggesting the complaints about blooming are coordinated. This is why people who don't buy Apple products think we're fanatical and nuts.

I saw one post saying that the edge shadows are a 'feature' of mini-Led. It is not. Without facetiousness, someone by all means correct me if I am wrong, but for the few mini-LED TVs and the XDR monitor, none of them have edge shadows, nor is their any technical or scientific explanation why there is one on the 12.9 as a result of using mini-Led. If it doesn't bother someone who bought it, fantastic, but the person who made that post is experiencing some of the worst cognitive dissonance I've seen on the 12.9. Anyone not bothered by the edges, terrific, no judgements. Anyone who is bothered by the edge doesn't necessarily have OCD. They just expect a better screen for their $1000+ purchase. Maybe they'll return it and buy a different device. Maybe not and keep posting their experience. So what? Ignore their posts and carry on with your life and enjoyment of your purchase.

I've got an iPad Air 2020 and iPhone XR and I would consider buying an iPad with either mini-Led or Oled screen in the future. Just waiting for the size I like. I've used lots of IPS LCD Apple and Android devices, and Samsung / OnePlus Oled devices. I considered but skipped buying a 2020 mini-LED TV because they have far fewer dimming zones than the 12.9 and really bad blooming. Nevertheless some people are really happy with their purchase -- terrific. I don't want an Oled TV because I want to run it bright enough to drive out bats in a well lit room. I'll bet most who own Oled devices are super happy with them. I see the benefits and downsides of all display types.

I find on Reddit people are much more open minded about disagreements over tech toy opinions. I don't see people getting so butthurt like on MR when someone isn't satisfied with their $1000+ purchase. It's too bad because there are a lot of people in the same boat as me who just want a mix of opinions to help them decide what their next toy will be.
 
Last edited:

LFC2020

macrumors P6
Apr 4, 2020
16,874
38,037
I haven’t really noticed the blooming in my experience thus far. Although I have went to light UI elements to avoid the darks just in case. Kinda refreshing really. Enjoying my iPad Pro quite a bit. Definitely a great purchase! :D
the reason you haven't noticed it, is because people are trolling, even they know it ain't nowhere near as bad as these overexposed photos and videos online, the screen is drop dead gorgeous, enjoy the new beast, don't listen to people who haven't even seen one in person, and don't even plan on doing so, or even plan on buying one, they're most likely jealous android fanboys.
 
  • Like
Reactions: haruhiko

someone33

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 17, 2014
92
87
Everyone seems to be missing the fact that the white text on black background he used was a picture. It didn't show blooming because the local dimming works with photos. The fact is the local dimming is not active with every app and is not applied to menu/status overlays.

Also the local dimming is not turned on with the big Apple logo or loading bar while updating. It's the same thing with Tvs that have local dimming, the local dimming is not active with system screens. This is why there are such different reports of blooming, the people reporting bad cases of it simply don't understand that the local dimming isn't activated in whatever app they're seeing the blooming with.
 

profcutter

macrumors 68000
Mar 28, 2019
1,550
1,296
Everyone seems to be missing the fact that the white text on black background he used was a picture. It didn't show blooming because the local dimming works with photos. The fact is the local dimming is not active with every app and is not applied to menu/status overlays.

Also the local dimming is not turned on with the big Apple logo or loading bar while updating. It's the same thing with Tvs that have local dimming, the local dimming is not active with system screens. This is why there are such different reports of blooming, the people reporting bad cases of it simply don't understand that the local dimming isn't activated in whatever app they're seeing the blooming with.
That’s an interesting theory. Do we have any confirmation from Apple that dimming happens on an app-by-app basis?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Slartibart

Rafterman

Contributor
Apr 23, 2010
7,267
8,809
I was a skeptic about people saying blooming was overblown (a lot are reporting it, so how can it be imaginary?), but now that I have had one for a day or two, I have to say that for me at least, I haven't seen any significant blooming and only the most mild in one or two cases.
 
  • Like
Reactions: chaospet

haruhiko

macrumors 604
Sep 29, 2009
6,688
6,240
I was a skeptic about people saying blooming was overblown (a lot are reporting it, so how can it be imaginary?), but now that I have had one for a day or two, I have to say that for me at least, I haven't seen any significant blooming and only the most mild in one or two cases.
But a random guy on MacRumors said that it’s the end of the world. You must believe it instead of your eyes. It’s just the rule on the internet.
 

Jimmyyy09

macrumors newbie
May 23, 2021
6
2
I would like to ask something regarding about this blooming issues. I been reading and seeing people saying is because of an software issues. How sure are you guy about that ? I swap the iPad Pro 12.9 in to at apple store and is the same thing.honestly I think this kind of stuff shouldn’t even happen if you paying a arm and a leg for a iPad Pro 12.9in. If it not a software issues am gonna return it again and just get the 11in more better.
 

MrEcted

macrumors regular
Apr 21, 2011
222
473
It's almost certainly not a software issue, it's just the nature of the technology. There are 7,000 sub-pixels per dimming zone so it only makes sense that there will be distinct areas that have the blooming effect because you are lighting up 7,000 sub-pixels at a time. Since individual pixels can't be shut off that means if 70% of these pixels in a given dimming zone should be showing black then they can't show true black and there will be a sort of "blooming" effect.

Second, the blooming effect is greatly overblown and you can't trust any pictures you see online. In person it's barely noticeable and only in certain conditions.
 

FrozenDarkness

macrumors 68000
Mar 21, 2009
1,828
1,124
One way to think about it, is that the reason why there's bloom is because the other areas are darker than they would've been with today's LCD. So is it better that the entire screen is lit up bloomed, or individual letters on a dark background?
 

VaruLV

macrumors 6502a
Mar 25, 2019
636
561
Future software updates might mitigate some of the issues described to some extent, but certainly blooming effect will be present anyway and might be visible depending on usage scenarios.
 

pugxiwawa

macrumors 6502a
Nov 10, 2009
534
1,244
Just got the new 12.9 yesterday, and i really don't see any blooming. Tested it in the complete dark with some video (winter soldier) and light reading, really couldn't tell any blooming. The black and contrast are night and day difference vs the 2018 model.
 

Chazani

macrumors regular
Oct 23, 2014
106
185
So I discovered something last night. Rui no onna mentioned turning on the reduce white point settings in accessibility/display & text, and so I did that, shocking my iPad is not showing very obvious blooming like it was. I am guessing reducing the intensity of bright lights will help make it much easier to see. Also am not using night mode to try and avoid obvious blooming.

I just found out I have a weekend off from work next week so I will book an appointment to make sure I get all my questions answered. I am hard of hearing, so phones really suck and it’s preferable for me to have them “show” me what I need to know :).

I’m wondering, LFC2020 do you have your reduce white point setting turned on from the beginning? I know that I never did any transfer any settings from my old iPad to new, so everything was being set up as brand new Snd that setting was never on with my iPad. I am still ???? my iPad ?
 

FrozenDarkness

macrumors 68000
Mar 21, 2009
1,828
1,124
What would it look like with an OLED panel?
probably pretty good in dark areas.

but speaking as someone with an OLED samsung galaxy s7+, you will have a lot of shimmering and color shifting in bright scenes (aka web browsing) because of how close you are and how big the tablet is.
 

mark34

macrumors 6502a
May 18, 2006
646
182
Just got the new 12.9 yesterday, and i really don't see any blooming. Tested it in the complete dark with some video (winter soldier) and light reading, really couldn't tell any blooming. The black and contrast are night and day difference vs the 2018 model.
It is only visible in certain circumstances. I can think of one of the few examples that I have seen: when white credit letters show up during the opening credits of For All Mankind you can see some blooming. That’s about all I have noticed. But not all white lettering on black background blooms for me. This is not the kind of issue you will see or be bothered by particularly often. Yeah, the contrast is phenomenal. Love it!
 

pugxiwawa

macrumors 6502a
Nov 10, 2009
534
1,244
It is only visible in certain circumstances. I can think of one of the few examples that I have seen: when white credit letters show up during the opening credits of For All Mankind you can see some blooming. That’s about all I have noticed. But not all white lettering on black background blooms for me. This is not the kind of issue you will see or be bothered by particularly often. Yeah, the contrast is phenomenal. Love it!
Yeah agree. Screen is phenomenal, but still unsure if it’s a worthy upgrade over 2018 model. Struggle is real. Lol
 

Rafterman

Contributor
Apr 23, 2010
7,267
8,809
Personally, I don't need internet photos and videos. My own Mark 1 eyeball test shows that the blooming is ever so slight and you really have to look closely for it, in most situations. Yes, in some situations when watching HDR and it cranks it up to 1600 nits, you might see some blooming. But it probably only an issue for the most sensitve to it.
 

hammie14

macrumors regular
Mar 18, 2010
247
145
UK
When i first got my new iPads last week really didn‘t see the issue with everyone saying blooming is a nightmare I’m returning etc etc. If you check my posts i even commented saying that I didn’t have a problem like others where describing, until 2 days ago.

I had a problem on my iPad, messages where not syncing in iCloud and my music library screwed up, tried for a little while to fix it, switching sync on and off, deleting music and reinstalling to the point i couldn’t get it to sync correctly, so i thought screw this, let me restore iPadOS and start a fresh.

Entered DFU mode and restored via finder on my Mac, finder downloaded 14.6 and it installed no problem set everything up as a new iPad and noticed the blooming is now 10 times worse, I know the images really blow it out of proportion and its looks much worse in a picture but the blooming effect on my iPad is now at the point i’m going to return my iPad, which I said I was not going to do, hopefully this will be fixed in the upcoming iPadOS updates.

Not sure why it would be any different restoring via DFU mode but something has happened, and i checked all setting. I don’t want this to be another bashing of the new iPad because before this the screen was really good not sure what happened. If i had longer I would Try and install iOS 14.7 to see if this fixes it but I’m going to be busy and probably wont get the time, if i do ill post the results.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Moyapilot
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.